The enormous success of last year’s Oscar-winning motion picture, Still Alice, gave much needed exposure to Alzheimer’s, a devastating disease that cannot be cured at this time. Another independent film, His Neighbor Phil, also takes on this topic, taking a closer look at how deeply Alzheimer’s affects everyone in its orbit. Families, friends, caregivers and everyone in between, feel the impact of Alzheimer’s to varying degrees. And while the campaign for awareness of the disease marches on, it’s also important that we give equal billing to effective therapies and techniques that offer comfort and relief for those already living with Alzheimer’s. We must celebrate the little victories, the ephemeral smiles, and those increasingly fleeting moments of recognition and joy – and utilize the tools that can open those small windows into the mind.
One method that has seen growing success is the use of music therapy. There is something about the power of music that reaches through the fog and resonates in many living with Alzheimer’s. At Autumn Leaves, we’ve partnered with Music Is Our Weapon to allow our staff to harness the power of music to enrich our residents’ lives through personalized playlists customized to their individual life portraits. Once you see it happen in front of your eyes, you’ll know why we are passionate about using music therapy – from easing agitation to sparking moments gone by, it is truly remarkable to witness.
His Neighbor Phil explores this mysterious power of music with the story of Harvey, a devoted husband to Mary who has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Like many, they discover that music has the ability to “reawaken” Mary when nothing else will. It becomes the one thing Harvey clings to in order to keep his beloved Mary with him, even for a few moments more. It’s a film about finding hope in the places you least expect, and experts from the Alzheimer’s and dementia community agree that it doesn’t cut corners when it comes to the reality of the disease:
“His Neighbor Phil is a love story wrapped up in the complexity of a disease that shows no mercy. It’s real. It’s raw and yet through all of the trials and tribulations, it provides hope.”
Josie Di Chiara, Senior Vice President, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
We’re very excited to bring this beautiful film to several of our communities this April for a private screening and panel discussion with experts in Alzheimer’s, dementia, and eldercare. We hope you’ll join us! Please click here for more information on screenings and to RSVP to the one nearest you.
